In the previous chapter I related the unsolicited testimonials from non-Adventists. My purpose—at least as far as Seventh-day Adventists are concerned—was not to inspire faith, but rather to confirm it. The Scriptures gave several tests for authenticating the validity of one’s claim to the prophetic office. I have applied them, carefully and scrupulously, to Ellen White, and she passes muster. Therefore, I would believe in her and her gift whether any famous people did or did not accept her. You see, their acceptance (or lack of it) is no criterion, and is ultimately irrelevant, as far as establishing whether or not she was a prophet.AGOL 62.1

Jesus said to “doubting” Thomas, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).AGOL 62.2

Faith is important, but faith must always rest upon adequate evidence. What is my evidence? Why do I believe in Ellen G. White as a legitimate, authentic, last-day prophet of God?AGOL 62.3

1. As noted above, I have applied the various biblical tests of a true prophet. I find that Ellen White meets every requirement. She has written—and written authoritatively—upon a wide range of topics (see chapter 2). There is a vast body of material upon which the test of fruitage may be made.AGOL 62.4

2. I have proved the worth of her testimonials and counsels in my own ministry in North America, in West Africa, and in other parts of the world since, for instance, in Nigeria we were privileged to assist in the founding of the newest Adventist institution of higher learning in that part of the world, the Adventist Seminary of West Africa.AGOL 62.5

We started literally from the grass roots on 370 acres in the heart of a virgin rain forest. The first year we had two teachers and seven students. And we had an opportunity to apply Ellen White’s various counsels on education here in this new laboratory in a unique way.AGOL 63.1

We implemented the work-study program advocated by Ellen White, in which a portion of each day is devoted by both teachers and students to nonclassroom work experience. In large Adventist colleges and universities today, the logistics make the introduction of this program a rather formidable undertaking. But with only two teachers and seven students that first year, we were able to do it. We conducted classes in the morning and devoted the afternoons to manual labor. And we proved the value of her counsels. For we found that we really got acquainted, individually, with our students in this informal setting—got to know them personally, intimately. And we also were able to put across concepts and ideas as we worked side by side that we never could have presented in the more formal setting of the classroom.AGOL 63.2

Mrs. White’s counsels work, at the pragmatic level. And for this reason too I believe.AGOL 63.3

3. My final reason is, admittedly, very subjective. I find that the writings of Ellen White feed my soul as no other writings, save Scripture, can do. I find Jesus as nowhere else (except in the Gospels) in her incomparable biography The Desire of Ages, and in the remaining volumes of her trilogy on Christ, Christ’s Object Lessons and Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing.AGOL 63.4

I have read Ellen White’s published writings in my parsonage study. I have read them in my college office. And—most recently—I have sat in the archival vault of the White Estate at Adventist world headquarters, where I have read original manuscripts and letters. Each time I have heard the voice of God’s Holy Spirit speaking directly to my soul.AGOL 63.5

From personal encounters too numerous to recount here, I am satisfied that Mrs. White was a genuine prophet of the Lord.AGOL 64.1

And I invite you to read these writings and to decide for yourself. As the Imperial Creamery in Los Angeles used to advertise its ice cream: “Tis the taste that tells the tale.”AGOL 64.2

Chapter 5—“Not Without Honor”